Trophy bass

If you don’t know the definition of “lunker,” just ask a fisherman.
Most often used in connection with bass, the term is a badge of honor for a fish of exceptional size. Say “lunker” to an angler, and images are invoked of 10-pounders lunging at topwater plugs or inhaling slow-rolling spinnerbaits.
You want to go catch one, don’t you? Well, you won’t have to go far.
Nestled about two miles northwest of Chandler is Bell Cow Lake, and nestled within Bell Cow’s 1,070 surface acres of water are some bulky largemouth bass.
Randy Hugueley, the lake ranger for Bell Cow and Chandler lakes, said Bell Cow is considered a trophy bass fishery. Steps have been taken to ensure this, such as limiting fishermen to only one bass kept per trip.
And that fish must be at least 22 inches long.
Giving the lake trophy potential “was the whole goal when they did that,” Hugueley said of the rule.
Hugueley said an 11-pound fish was pulled from the lake this year.
“I didn’t get to see it, but I heard about it,” he said.
Aside from bass, the lake produces sizeable specimens of other species, Hugueley said.
“There’s some big crappie in there,” he said. “My nephew caught a crappie that weighed about four pounds.”
Keep in mind that the state record white crappie is 4 pounds, 15 ounces, and the state record black crappie is 4 pounds, 10 ounces.
Hugueley said he is not certain of the size of catfish lurking in Bell Cow, but receives numerous reports of fishermen having their lines broken.
If you plan a trip to Bell Cow Lake, be sure to visit nearby Chandler Lake. The lakes are only about 1,000 feet apart, with Chandler Lake just east of Bell Cow. Chandler Lake is much smaller, at only 129 surface acres, but there are ample fish to be caught there as well.
“There’s a lot of good fishing there,” Hugueley said. “Some like it better than Bell Cow.”
Both lakes are stocked by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Hugueley said, and the department regularly checks the quality and health of the fish.
“They help us out, and stock it accordingly,” Hugueley said.
Size and creel limits at the lakes are as follows:
• Black bass (Bell Cow) — Limit of one fish at least 22 inches long
• Black bass (Chandler) — Limit of six fish at least 14 inches long; only one may be 22 inches long or longer
• Catfish — Limit of 15 fish at least 14 inches long
• Crappie and bluegill — Same as statewide limit
State law applies concerning the need to possess a fishing license.
Both lakes are accessible by boat, but boats are prohibited from creating a wake on Chandler Lake. Skiing is allowed on Bell Cow, Hugueley said, and when the water level is up, personal watercraft are allowed.
Both lakes offer camping, and an equestrian trail is located on Bell Cow Lake. Chandler Lake has primitive campsites only, while Bell Cow Lake has both primitive and modern campsites.
“It’s one of the best lakes as far as trail riding,” Hugueley said of the equestrian trail.
Area A at Bell Cow Lake has 12 modern campsites and six primitive campsites, while Area B has 16 modern campsites and 12 primitive campsites. Area C has 46 modern campsites and 10 primitive sites.
The equestrian trail and campsite are located in Area C, which is on the south side of the lake. Boat ramps on Bell Cow Lake are in Areas B and C (Area B is on the north side of the lake), and a fishing dock is located in Area D on the southeast side of the lake.
The boat ramp at Chandler Lake is on the southwest side near the golf course, which borders the lake on the west.
The ranger station is located near the southwest side of Chandler Lake.
Both lakes are accessible 24 hours a day, Hugueley said, and honor boxes for paying daily fees are found near fishing and camping areas. The fees for Bell Cow and Chandler lakes are as follows:
• Fishing — $3 per day, $2 for senior citizens
• Boating/fishing — $5 per day, $3 for senior citizens
• Personal watercraft (Bell Cow only) — Same as boating fees
• Equestrian trail (Bell Cow Lake) — $3 per horse
• Camping — $15 for modern sites, $8 for primitive sites
An annual fee of $30 per couple or $15 per individual can be paid for boating and fishing. The annual fee is $10 for senior citizens.
Activities on the lakes are free to those 16 and under.
Hugueley, who has been employed through the Chandler Police Department as the lake ranger for three years, regularly patrols the lakes to collect fees, check permits and monitor activities.

How to get there
• Chandler Lake — Go north from Chandler on SH 18 about half a mile to Lake Road (E890 Road). Turn left (west) onto Lake Road (E890 Road) and proceed west to Post Road. Turn right (north) onto Post Road and follow that road past the ranger station and on to the boat ramp and dock area. To access the east side of the lake, go 1 1/2 miles north from Chandler on SH 18 and turn left (west) on E880 Road.
• Bell Cow Lake — To access the south side of the lake, proceed west past Post Road on Lake Road (E890 Road). To access the north side of the lake, continue north past the boat ramp at Chandler Lake and turn left (west) onto E880 Road.